Manchester United suffered yet another damaging Premier League defeat on Sunday afternoon, losing 4-3 to Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Despite holding a 3-0 aggregate lead over Athletic Club in the Europa League semi-finals, Ruben Amorim’s side remain in a worrying run of domestic form.
The Red Devils have now lost 16 of their 35 league matches in the 2024-25 season, winning just 10.
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Amorim is yet to stamp his authority on United’s Premier League fortunes.
Mason Mount had given United the lead, but Brentford responded through Luke Shaw’s own goal.
Which was then followed by a quick-fire double from Kevin Schade and a fourth from Yoane Wissa.
Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo struck late to give United hope.
However, it wasn’t enough to salvage a point as Brentford claimed all three.
Amorim once again stuck to his tactical principles, using his 3-4-3 shape with wingbacks.
The system drew heavy criticism during BBC’s Match of the Day 2.
Wayne Rooney questions Ruben Amorim’s tactical setup
United legend Wayne Rooney described the tactical setup as “strange” and suggested Amorim’s tactical setup left players confused and isolated.
Rooney focused in on the issues United faced in midfield, saying the formation left them outnumbered and exposed.
“I think it showed (lack of intensity) with the lack of movement and knowhow on the pitch.
“The build-up was slow with balls going back to the goalkeeper and getting moved around slowly at the back.
“Plus there was no movement from anyone to get on the ball.”
The former club captain also called out the lack of help given to 17-year-old striker Chido Obi-Martin.
Obi made history by becoming the youngest United player to start a Premier League game up front.
Rooney said he “really felt” for Obi-Martin and pointed to a breakdown in structure and support around the youngster.
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“There was a lack of movement and a lack of know-how on the pitch,” Rooney explained, as quoted on BBC Match of the Day.
“They’ve got a 17-year-old lad up front – the youngest ever to start up front for United.
“And they’re just launching balls up to him.
“You can tell he’s inexperienced, but it looked like he had no help; they were just throwing balls up to him.”
Obi-Martin’s full 90-minute outing was a milestone.
Although, one overshadowed by a disjointed team display and tactical confusion under Amorim.
United now prepare for Thursday night’s Europa League semi-final second leg against Athletic Club.
Fans will be hoping continental success can bring some redemption to a dismal domestic campaign.
